ΤΗΕ ΤΙΤΑΝ ΣϹΗΟ IN

THIS

IS-

SUE: Madeline Asherbranner8

Amy Bartels 5

Ed Campbell 8

Alycia Flores 10

Eliyah Flores 10

Domonick Garza 3

Nicolas Gomez 9

Tiffany Gordon 8

Greg Grishim 8

Mitch Hovey 7

Ellena Johsnon 8

Jennifer LeCompte 3

Bryan Licon 9

Matthew Prado 9

Feyikemi Oriola 8

Reagan Rodas 8

Louie Romero 12

Darlene Sanchez 10

Mia Segura 7

Volume 7 Issue 2 February 2019

Winter Edition

OPINION

By Jillian Deuel (2019)

Editor-In-Chief Our lives and culture in

the 21st century have been

profoundly impacted by the

internet. A predominant

use of the web involves

making connections and

interacting with almost any-

one through social media. In

fact, roughly 70 percent of

Americans use some plat-

form of social media; the

giants are identified as Fa-

cebook, Instagram, Snap-

chat, Twitter, and Youtube,

according to the Pew Re-

search Center. While it’s

easy to find enjoyment

scrolling through endless

amount of entertaining con-

tent, and even sharing our

own, many of us overlook

the negative impact social

media can have on our

mental health.

The first thing that should

be realized about social

media is that it is addictive.

Not only do users con-

sciously crave to visit their

favorite sites, but it has

been observed that the

brain responds biologically

to stimulation caused by

social media use. A study

conducted by Nottingham

Trent University found that

the appetitive system (the

part of the brain that con-

trols the response to posi-

tive/rewarding stimuli) re-

acts to social media use the

same way it does to other

behavioral addictions. Much

like other addictions, the

fine line between healthy

and obsessive behavior be-

comes blurred, unbe-

knownst to the participant.

It’s quite alarming to consid-

er that something regarded

as a light-hearted leisure

activity can have that power

over us.

In addition, experts report

that many individuals find it

triggers negative feelings

such as depression and

Why Social Media Isn’t So Great

dissatisfaction with their

lives. When one of the

main points of using social

media is to post the “best

parts” of our lives, it’s

nearly impossible to avoid

making comparisons to

others. Mark Widdowson,

Senior Lecturer in Counsel-

ling and Psychotherapy at

the University of Stanford,

writes, “Levels of depres-

sion increased with total

amount of time spent us-

ing social media and num-

ber of visits to social media

sites per week.” Cell

phones provide the privi-

lege of having everything in

the palm of our hands, and

social media is no excep-

tion. This means that

checking in on sites can be

done instantly, countless

times a day, possibly in-

creasing one’s overall un-

happiness to an even

greater extent.

It isn't that social media

is all bad. It's that the neg-

ative consequences of its

use are widely underesti-

mated and that is scary.

The negative consequenc-

es of smoking were hidden

for decades by cigarette

companies. What if social

media is the next deadly

habit? That’s scary.

Examples of how social

media causes unhappi-

ness are more simple and

more common than you

might think. Someone who

struggles with low self-

esteem can see a celebri-

ty’s bikini picture on Insta-

gram and become very

distressed because they

don’t look like that. Anoth-

er instance could occur if

someone feels like a fail-

ure after seeing a col-

league's Facebook post

about how they bought a

new luxury car and they

can barely afford the pay-

ments on the family

minivan.

Perhaps the most im-

portant idea to keep in

mind when using social

media is that looks can be

deceiving. In an article fea-

tured in PsychologyTo-

day.com, Dr. Cortney S.

Warren, Professor of Psy-

chology at the University of

Nevada, argues that peo-

ple on social media aren’t

very truthful about them-

selves. Warren cites sever-

al studies that provide sta-

tistics showing the high

percentage of users who

share misleading content,

urging us to avoid compar-

ing ourselves to others.

Remember, people are only

sharing a small part of

their lives they want to be

seen. Keeping this mes-

sage in mind is vital for

anyone who uses social

media.

Overall, with so many

other concerns to focus on

in life, social media should-

n’t be a priority or take val-

uable time and energy

away from things of im-

portance. Additionally, the

adverse effects of social

media use on mental

health aren’t properly ad-

dressed. Use of the sites

do not guarantee one will be-

come severely addicted or de-

pressed, but it is highly likely they

will be affected in some manner.

The titan echo

Established in 2012

Vol. 7 No.2

Editor-in-Chief Jillian Deuel

Executive Editor Rodri Smith

Campus Editor Sakinah Storks

Layout Editor Corina Magruder

Campus Writer Alexander Santos-

Garcia

A&E Writer Claudia Ruvalcaba

Sports Writer Jaycee Valadez

Layout Designer Adrian Corral

Layout Designer Christiane Ochoa

Faculty Advisor Victor Morales

The Titan Echo is published periodically by the

Journalism class of Grand Terrace High School,

21810 Main Street, Grand Terrace, CA 92313.

Opinions expressed in the Titan Echo are those

of the reporter and not necessarily those of the

faculty, administration, school board, or school

district and are not to be construed to endorse

or promote activities reported upon.

All photos of school related activities are taken

by staff photographers unless otherwise indicat-

ed. Some stories were originally published in the

Titan Echo Web site and are republished here.

The Titan Echo welcomes letters to the editor

but they will be printed according to space

availability and may be edited for content.

Please submit all letters to vic-

tor_morales@cjusd.net.

“...most

of what’s

on social

media is a

façade…”

By Jennifer LeCompte (2019)

Cyber bullying is a major issue a lot of people don’t

think about when someone mentions bullying. Typically

people think about kids making fun of or making physical

contact with others at school, but unfortunately, the

problem is beginning to become more extreme. In the

past five years it has become more of a common issue in

our generation. Cyber bullying is climbing the charts as it

is one of the main causes of teen suicide, or the attempt

of it. In this generation we need to make it a priority to

bring an end to cyberbullying and prevent suicide.

Many individuals believe that because this type of bul-

lying is online it won’t have as big of an impact on the

victim and or that the issue is not as serious due to the

fact that it is not verbal or physical abuse; they are

wrong. Cyber bullying now affects children and teens in

their everyday lives and does not just stay online. This

issue can follow them into their school life and other so-

cial areas which can lead the child to become isolated.

According to Brendesha Tynes at USC, bullies have

moved to a much broader way of attacking their victims,

making it almost impossible for them to escape the con-

stant harassment.

Bullying can lead to many things. The victim often does

not take the bullying well, which can result in depression,

low self-esteem and, all too often, suicide. We need to

bring awareness to the situation. Students should not be

going through these things alone; they need to have

some sort of support system, or someone they can trust

so the issue will no longer continue to increase.

Katie Atkinson, an award-winning English writer and

president of the ”Stop Bullying” foundation in New York,

states that cyberbullying is something that is not taken

into consideration until it is too late. Districts should

make it mandatory for all their schools to have lessons

on bullying and the effects it can have on students.

Recent FBI reports show that bullies tend to be the

“cool kids” trying to gain popularity by putting others

down. Nine out of ten bullies are usually going through

their own matters in their lives, such as, abuse and inse-

curity. Michael Friedman, a behavioral psychologist

claims bullying is a major public health problem and is

caused by imbalanced power between the perpetrator

and the victim. Bullying is always deeper than it seems.

NET NEUTALITY: Would You Like to

Upgrade to Read this Article ? By Domonick Garza (2019)

Picture it. It is Dec.14, 2017, and digital America is either con-

fused or panicking because of the vote to repeal net neutrality was

passed. Those confused didn’t know enough about net neutrality to

understand why the other half is panicking. Jump to today, and many

have almost forgotten about the repeal. While all the panic has died

down, the effects of what the repeal can have are still here and it will

not benefit the U.S. in the long run.

The confused probably thought “What is net neutrality?”

Net neutrality is the idea that the internet is a free open source for

everyone and that Internet Service Providers, like Verizon and others,

can’t block, throttle or prioritize a consumer’s internet access. This

means that the internet should be open for everyone and it shouldn’t

have any accessibility restrictions. Most people agree with it. Statistics

from the Open Rights Group, a UK based digital campaigning organi-

zation working to protect the rights to privacy and free speech online,

show that 60 percent of people are in support of net neutrality, 17

percent oppose, and 23 percent are unsure. Also, there is majority

support for it in both the Democrat and Republican parties (51 per-

cent Democrat, 49 percent Republican). Despite the majority support

for net neutrality, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) de-

cided to repeal it. This allows Spectrum and others to have full control

over a consumer’s internet access.

There are three main rules mentioned earlier about net neutrality.

Public Knowledge, an organization that works to shape policy on be-

half of public interest, mentions that these rules prohibit Blocking,

Throttling, and Paid Prioritization.

Blocking is when a person is denied or “blocked” from accessing

certain online content. Throttling is when websites are purposely

slowed down. Paid Prioritization allows Time-Warner and others to

give special treatment to some online services over others. If these

sound bad it’s because they are. With the rules prohibiting these

things gone, your internet provider can control exactly what consum-

ers are allowed to view online.

To top it all off, the FCC’s reasoning behind their repeal isn’t great.

The FCC has decided to repeal net neutrality for one reason -- money.

The chairman of the FCC Ajit Pai, said at the 2015 FCC, “Following the

FCC's decision, network investment fell by billions of dollars… .” Es-

sentially, he believes that the repeal of net neutrality will help our

economy. While it could help, it comes at the price of guaranteed in-

ternet freedom, so the benefits don’t outweigh the costs.

Those who oppose net neutrality have said that ISPs haven't

messed with the internet before so they wouldn’t now. This statement

doesn’t make sense for two reasons. First, if this were true, then there

wouldn’t have been any reason to have net neutrality rules put in

place. Secondly, the reason it may have seemed like that is because

the internet was still in the beginning stages of becoming an integrat-

ed part of our lives. Considering how integrated the internet has be-

come to everyone's lives, it would be easy for ISPs to take control of

that dependability without net neutrality.

Additionally, a Smithsonian article said that before 2015, when

net neutrality started, the companies Comcast, AT&T, Metro PCS, and

Verizon have all engaged in acts that would have violated net neutrali-

ty rules. Now that net neutrality is gone, there will definitely be cases

of them taking control of consumer internet. In fact, there already are.

In August of 2018 Santa Clara firefighters had their wireless ser-

vice throttled by Verizon while they were on the job. It only took two

months for an ISP to take advantage of the repeal. So, next time

Google isn’t working, or the next time Youtube is being slow, it might

be more than just being too far away from your router.

STUDENT OPINIONS The opinions expressed here were originally submitted in

Mr. John Bunce’s Expository Reading and Writing Course.

The course is designed to challenge 12th grade students

to extract analysis from articles and literature and respond

in writing.

Campus P a g e 4 V o l . 7 , I s s u e 2

Homecoming 2018 By Alex Santos, Campus Writer (2019)

TITAN TOWN- Homecoming princess candidates take photos

with their parents and teachers on Oct. 5 (top and right). Luxu-

rious cars transport candidates to the field on the track as the

crowd roars and the school marching band plays.

Photos by Alex Santos

P a g e 5 Campus

TITAN TOWN- It's safe to assume that everyone, including students, enjoy having some money of their own. Many students seize

the economic opportunity on campus and start their own mini-businesses, borrowing money for small investments for equipment

and product.

One of the most popular and opportunistic forms of this is students selling snacks out of their gym bags. Students buy and sell

energy drinks, gum, and snacks such as chips, cookies, donuts, and candy. Most of the snacks are sold for around a dollar each,

so they sell fast with little selection on campus. It’s good business as they are filling a demand. Economic teachers should be

proud. Some students take a more unique approach. It is not unheard of for a student to purchase tamales, tortas, or even popsi-

cles from other students. Items change with the season. Only ASB approved fundraisers are permitted on campus. Please contact

Activities Director Mrs. Bautista if you have any questions. This is clandestine business, however, because selling goods that are

not ASB-approved is prohibited on campus. If a student is discovered selling items on campus, their merchandise will be confiscat-

ed, their parents will be contacted, and they will be given “appropriate discipline,” according to the student handbook.

Another popular student business is makeup. Usually for special dances, such as prom, students will advertise their makeup

skills on social media provide contact information for anyone who wants to pay a practicing mini-professional to doll them up. Stu-

dents have even started accepting forms of payment other than cash. One student, who requested anonymity, said, “I also take

quarters, Cash App, and Apple Pay.”

GTHS last year had four working student barbers, taking appointments and cutting hair at their homes.

Not all students, however, charge for their services. Some students see Titan Town as the perfect place to hone their skills. I, for a

example have an Instagram account for the sole purpose of practicing and showing my hair creations. I occasionally post hair-

styles, which is somewhat ironic because I wear the hijab, so none of my styles are ever done on my own head. I usually use GTHS

student, Amy Bartels (2020) as a model, and I don’t charge one cent. My idea is less about making money and more about build-

ing courage and having motivation to get better at what I am doing. I am hoping that, through this practice, I will eventually be

good enough to have a profitable business on the side. Until then, I just do it for practice.

One may ask, why not just get a job? There are a number of factors that can contribute to a student not being able to get

a job, according to students interviewed. Some students prefer to work on their own schedules to balance schoolwork. The inter-

view, application, permit, and background process is daunting for others. Others simply don’t have transportation to the job site.

The solution for them is capitalizing on the GT population, finding a niche and hustling.

STUDENT HUSTLERS SEE CAMPUS AS LAND

OF OPPORTUNITY By Sakinah Storks, Campus Editor (2020)

Campus V o l . 7 , I s s u e 2 P a g e 6

.

Nicole Catalina (left) and Lani Mendoza

Photo courtesy of La Puente.

After High School Transition:

Perspectives from Across Town By Alexander Santos, Campus Writer (2019)

LA PUENTE, CA - Leaving high school may seem like the

end of the world, but it’s just the beginning of a whole

new chapter of your life. Two college students from La

Puente, CA shared their insights on the transition from

high school to college.

“I started preparing for college my sophomore year, I

didn’t know what I wanted to be or even do, but I made

sure I was eligible for a university,” said Nicole Catalina,

who graduated from Nogales High School in 2017 and

is now a sophomore at Mt. Sac Community College in

Walnut.

Transitioning may not always be easy.

“It’s kind of difficult. The transition from having a set

schedule in high school to going to college and figuring

everything out yourself can be hectic and confusing,”

Nicole added.

College is an important and challenging route to

take once you graduate but it creates a better oppor-

tunity for a better life, said another college student.

“I’ve always known I’ve wanted to be a teacher, for

some reason I treated it as a second option until my

junior year (in high school) when I realized that it was

what I wanted to do. There was no question about it,”

said Lani Mendoza of La Puente and a Nogales High

School graduate.

“Preparation-wise, I would say the same, I just made

sure I was eligible for a university and continued to do

good at school. I kept myself close to books since I

knew English was the route to go,” she added.

The ease of transition depends on how well you are

prepared, former students said.

“After high school everyone goes at a different pace,

the transition really is something that you don’t expect

but depending on the individual and how prepared you

are, you’re affected differently,” she said.

“Personally, the transition after was easy since I had

started right after high school and it wasn’t until I had

gotten more use to the setting and how fast paced it is

to monitor yourself, financially and academically,” Lani

said.

The transition from having a

set schedule in high school to

going to college and figuring

everything out yourself can

be hectic and confusing - Ni-

cole Catalina

Campus F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9

P a g e 7

Fashion at popular stores are not consistent with the dress code. For example, Forever 21 offers numerous

shoulder blouses (left), crop tops (middle and right).

By Rodri Smith (2019), Executive Editor

TITAN TOWN- The dress code at Grand Terrace High School has remained the same from day one of the first year the

school opened, according to a comparison of past and present student handbooks. Students continue to attempt to

defy the code and develop a contempt for the code. This leads to that familiar game. Many students understand the

rules of dress code and still choose not to follow it, hoping to slip by the eyes of campus authorities. Student con-

tempt for the code is exacerbated by fashion trends that are not consistent with the code.

Rationales for the code seem reasonable. But reading them off the handbook, they seem totalitarian. Ac-

cording to the student hand book, on page 31, it states, ‘Clothing shall be sufficient enough to conceal undergar-

ments at all times. See-through fabrics, halter tops, tube tops, off–the-shoulder or low cut tops, bare midriffs/

midsection, and skirts, shorts, or rips jeans shorter than mid-thigh are prohibited. Sleepwear/loungewear (including

but not limited to pajama bottoms and slippers) is prohibited. Excessively baggy pants/shorts, banded or tucked pant

leg bottoms, and hanging belt straps are not allowed. Skin must be visible between shorts and knee high socks’.

But fashion doesn’t consider the rules despite their reasonableness. A search at popular store websites like

Forever 21 and Tilly’s revealed that they have more than 60 fashionable tops that students would not be able to

wear due to the school regulations.

“ It's hard to respect and accommodate with the dress code rules since now it's hard to find something that

is to what the schools standard is.” This seems to be unfair towards the students since they are limited and expect to

be dressed a certain way,” said junior Mia Segura .

A senior that requested to remain anonymous added, “ I think the dress code on campus is too harsh. Its annoy-

ing when the AP and security guards don't let me wear what I want. My parents see how I dress in the morning and

they have no problem with it, so the school shouldn't either.” Many other students agree with this and feel that this is

just too much.

The administrations agrees that students should express themselves but in a modest way.

“This year we have been more observant to what the students are wearing. When students see us walking around

campus, it isn't for us to get people for dress code, it for us to just make sure the school is looking good and that stu-

dents are doing the right things, not doing anything that can be problematic,” said Assistant Principal Mitch Hovey.

As Fashion Trends Change, Dress Code

Remains Out of Touch

Sports V o l . 6 I s s u e 1 P a g e 8 V o l . 7 I s s u e 2 P a g e 8

By Jaycee Valadez (2020), Sports Writer

TITANTOWN- The Lady Titan basketball team is a

tough group of girls that have faced many challeng-

es. The most difficult circumstance they have

adapted to

has been the

constant

change in

coaches over

the past four

years. The

transitions

from coach to

coach make it

even more

challenging,

players said.

“I would

like to have the girls put the first Sunkist League

Championship banner up for girl’s basketball,” said

Mr. Ed Campbell, the

new coach. For the past

several years, girls bas-

ketball have made the

playoffs but placed sec-

ond to Summit High

School in Fontana, ac-

cording to the MaxPreps

website.

Feyikemi Oriola (2019)

played basketball for

three of those years and decided her senior year to

take on the role of being a manager for the girls.

“I feel a bit disappointed that the girls basketball

program is so unstable, but I’m happy that Coach

Campbell is our current coach. He’s very dedicated to

the girls and not just when it comes to basketball. He

wants them to be successful in school as well,” Fey

said.

“I wanted to stay involved with the program to help it

thrive in any way that I can,” she said and does not

want the girls basketball program to fall apart.

Bureaucracy may be to blame for the instability.

According to CJUSD policy, if coaches are certificated

they do not need to reapply or rehire every year, and

they will be re-

hired automatical-

ly. If someone,

however, is a clas-

sified or walk-on

coach, they must

reapply every year.

After Mr. Greg

Grishim, a counse-

lor, resigned it has

been walk-on

coaches that have

taken the job.

“We would

definitely love stability in our program,” said Athletic

Director Tiffany Gordon.

Photos by Jaycee Valadez

Girls Basketball :Plagued by Coach-ing Changes, Seek Stability

Tif

fan

y G

ord

on

Reagan Rodas (2020), left and Captain Madeline Asherbranner (2020). Ellena Johsnon (2019) goes up for a jump shot against Bloomington

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 9 P a g e 9 Sports

Raider Fans Still Hope-

ful After

Dismal

Season

By Rodri Smith, Executive Editor, 2019

TITANTOWN- The Oakland Raiders have a big fan base on campus. Despite the 2018-2019 NFL season

being one of the worst for the Raiders, fans continue to represent their team and their favorite players, that is

the players that are left as wide receiver Amari Cooper and linebacker Kalil Mack were traded.

Based on the reports on ESPN, the Raiders record of 3-11 was one of the worst records in the 2018-19

NFL season. Their three victories were against bad to really bad teams, the Browns, Cardinals, and Steelers.

These three teams placed among the lowest in their respective divisions.

But even though the Raiders won only three games, their quarterback Derrick Carr may or may not have

cried on the field, and their defense was in disarray, their fans continue to express optimism.

“Its hard to defend us because we are thrash, for the moment, said Nicolas Gomez (2019). “For the mo-

ment,” he repeated.

It was hard to find realistic fans that will agree that the Raiders did terrible this season.

“I do think the Raiders are trying their best but at times we do come short. I hope that soon they will get

their act together,” said Bryan Licon (2020).

Bryan’s comments seem accurate. In the beginning of every game, the Raiders came out strong but as

soon the third quarter started, the team lost their flow and ended up losing. If a football game was only for

two quarters then the Raiders would be fine and come out with a possible win, maybe make the playoffs.

It has been said that the Raiders may have been losing because of the new

players and the loss of traded players. But, it could have also been the play-

calling by Head Coach Jon Gruden.

“The Raiders are making up for their loses by having rookies play in veteran

spots slowly but surely getting use to the game like Gareon Conley, Kolton Mil-

ler, P.J Hall, Brandon Parker, Arden Key, Nick Nelson, Maurice Hurst, Trent

Sieg, Matt McCarne and Jason Cabinda. We also have the biggest cap size in

money and have extra draft picks for this upcoming draft and next years,” said

another Raiders fan, Matthew Prado (2020).

With the new stadium coming together in Las Vegas (1.5 hours closer to the

IE) and the extra picks the coach will have on draft day, Raider fans on campus

and the Inland Empire still have a lot to look forward to.

PRADO

P a g e 1 0 Sports F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9

By Jaycee Valadez (2020), Sports Writer

TITAN TOWN - All families are special. The Flores family, though, is like no other at GT. Parents Jimmy Flores and Darlene

Sanchez, put their free time, and money into the softball careers of their daughters Eliyah (2017) and Alycia (2019) Flores. It

paid off because they both earned scholarships to play Sooner softball at Oklahoma University, a frequent national champion

program.

Ms. Sanchez and Mr. Flores are a tag team. Ms. Sanchez, a security guard here on campus, communicates with her daugh-

ters’ teachers. While Mr. Flores, their dad, has his own organization, which involves a batting cage in the family backyard, help-

ing players improve their hitting. “Girls from all over the world come to my dad for hitting lessons,” said Alycia. They have all ded-

icated their time and heart to this game and their futures.

A few years ago Alycia and Eliyah attended a tournament in Orange County. The tournament is known to be scouted b

top colleges.

This is when OU approached Eliyah and told her to contact them. Eliyah

was just a freshman in high school at the time. Eliyah traveled to OU

there for a camp and that is when they offered her a scholarship.

It was deja vu for Alycia a couple of years later. She attended anoth-

er camp in Orange County during her freshman year. She got the atten-

tion of OU scouts and they approached the family, offering her a scholar-

ship.

The family’s goal was to have both girls at the same college, Ms.

Sanchez said. Come next fall, that will happen. Other campuses, such as

Washington and Tennessee were considered.

“I’ve taught both sisters and I can tell you without hesitation that

their effort in academics mirrors their effort in softball,” said Mr. Victor

Morales (English).

Eliyah adapted to the game quickly, Ms. Sanchez said. Alycia took

some time to adapt. “Softball is a hard sport and you don’t go in there

thinking you’re the best,” said Alycia. She wanted to be the very best she

can be and not be Eliyah’s shadow, she said.

Eliya was named to the 2018 All-Big 12 Freshman Team, according to

the OU Softball website.

Sisters Alycia (2019) (left) and Eliyah Flores (2017)

at the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Photo Courtesy of Alycia Flores . Mom Darlene Sanchez is

on the right. Photo by Jaycee Valadez

Flores Family Makes their Mark

on GT and OU Softball

A&E P a g e 1 1 V o l . 7 I s s u e 2

By Claudia Ruvalcaba (2021), A&E Writer

TITAN TOWN – The release of the “final” chapter of the Halloween franchise has had people talking

for quite a while. This is understandable since Halloween is one of the most popular classic horror-slasher

films. It picks up after first movie, originally released in 1978. None of the sequels, however, are relevant to

the original, prompting people speculate that it takes place in a different timeline.

Michael Myers, the main antagonist, comes back to continue his killing spree at Haddonfield, Illinois,

after forty years. We see an aged Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) the original protagonist, still very

paranoid and living in constant fear of the possibility of the reappearance of Michael Myers. Her feelings of

paranoia affect those close to her, such as her daughter and her other family members. It’s the same events,

but it does offer a somewhat different ending.

Though people are very appreciative of the fact that the movie used some elements from the original

version, what really stood out was the music. Music is very important, especially in horror films. It makes the

viewer feel either at ease or maybe at the edge of their seats, depending on the tone, pitch, and volume. The

movie used sounds from the original, but in a way, they made it better. As mentioned in creator John Carpen-

ter's, website, “The new soundtrack pays homage to the classic Halloween score that Carpenter composed

and recorded in 1978...several new versions of the iconic main theme serve as the pulse in Green’s film, it's

familiar 5/4 refrain stabbing through the soundtrack like the Shape’s knife. While the new score was made

with a few more resources than Carpenter’s famously shoestring original, its music spirit was preserved.”

Sequels are known to not always to be better than the original, though in some cases, it doesn't ap-

ply. Some viewers of the 2018 release say that it's not that the newest Halloween was bad, most of what

happened was just repeated. Despite that, this movie has to be the best sequel in the entire franchise. As

cited by critic Johnny Oleksinski, “Finally, Hollywood has made a good Halloween sequel. It took them only 40

years.”

Not to spoil the movie in anyway, the film just doesn’t really leave questions lingering in people’s

heads. Well, maybe the noise after the movie’s credits does. You’ll just have to see. No. you’ll just have hear

for yourself.

P a g e 1 2 A&E

V o l 7 I s s u e 2

By Claudia Ruvacalba, A&E Writer (2020)

TITANTOWN- Bohemian Rhapsody is based on the rise-to

-fame history of the English Rock band Queen. Even

though it's been almost 50 years since the band first

formed, their music is still played and appreciated, may-

be more than back in the 70’s and 80’s.

Queen wasn’t your typical band where one or two

members are the talent in the band. In Queen, all the

members were extremely talented. All of the songs were

written by the members of the band, not passed onto

songwriters. Each of their personalities were, in a way,

involved in their music. Combined with their astonishing

music skills, the charisma, and energetic personality of

vocalist Freddie Mercury, and you have one of the most

iconic bands that existed.

Well known songs include, We are the Champions,

My Best Friend, Under Pressure, and Bohemian Rhap-

sody, the title of this biopic.

“I loved it. I’ve always been a fan of Queen,” said

Louie Romero, a GTHS sophomore. “ From researching

then seeing them on the big screen was a dream come

true. I liked the references to different songs and events

that were going on in Freddie's life,” Romero added.

The movie beautifully captured the beginnings of the

band and their path to fame, though maybe they could

have added a few more early details as it picks up when

Mercury and the rest of the band find each other in a

swanky English music club.

In addition, scenes with more shows that got them

recognized rather than skipping a few years, would have

filled in some holes.

Despite this, it is a movie worth paying for and

watching, although the scriptwriters should have proba-

bly focused a bit more on all of the band members ra-

ther than the primary lens focused on Mercury. One is

left wondering about how the other members of Queen

reacted to everything happening in their life. Freddie

Mercury was the front man of the band, yes, captivating

the crowd, but the rest of the members were minimally

involved in the film.

Bohemian Rhapsody is Must Despite Flaws

Gwilym Lee portrayed Queen guitarist Brain May and Rami Ma-

lek as Mercury in Bohemian Raposody (Top).

Queen members from top to clockwise, Brian May, John Dea-

con, Mercury, and Roger Taylor. Google Images

Notable Songs by Queen Tie Your Mother Down

Under Pressure

Bohemian Rhapsody

I Want to Break Free

We are the Champions

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Dragon Attack

Another One Bites the Dust

You’re My Best Friend

Somebody to Love

We Will Rock You

Radio Ga Ga

Killer Queen